Walking Together
Caribou herds in Alaska can get up to 400 thousands strong. It is an amazing site to see them cross the tundra hills as they migrate from their summer to winter feeding grounds. Usually they are too far from inhabited areas to see them, but when news arrives that they are nearing a country road, there is excitement and the hunting fever begins. I remember one such time in my youth, when news arrived of the approaching caribou. My Dad and uncle and I got our gear together for the big hunt. As we neared the area where the caribou had been sighted, all we saw was the damage to the foliage caused by such a massive migration. We had arrived too late.
As we set up camp, my father scanned the surrounding hills with his binoculars. With such an enormous herd, there was sure to be stragglers. On the ridge, opposite of our camp, he saw a pack of wolves. That was a good sign, for they too were hunting. Early the next morning we climbed the ridge where we had seen the wolves and waited. Soon, small bands of caribou and those who had fallen behind the herd began passing by. Before long we had our limit of caribou and were heading home. The wolves, too, had feasted that day on the weak and isolated ones.
Nature can teach us some important lessons. For the caribou, there was protection while together. Those who were separate from the herd, were easy prey. The Bible teaches us the same. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon says that, “…a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecc. 4.12) The enemy is compared to a lion that prowls around, seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5.8) He uses the weapons of offense to separate close friends. He makes them feel justified in their isolation, by nursing their many hurts. Then attacks with bitterness and unbelief sets in. It is dangerous to walk alone.
As a Good Shepherd, the Lord goes after the solitary sheep and brings them into His household. His protection and blessing are found in the congregation, just as new wine is found in the cluster. (Is. 65.8) Those that isolate themselves only seek their own desires. (Prov. 18.1) Sin is defined as everyone going their own way. (Is. 53.6) The rebelliousness of man separates him from others and leads him into a dry and lonely place. (Psalms 68.6) It is outside the fold where the wolves attack the unsuspecting.
Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to be attentive and sober. The enemy is like a thief and he desires to rob, kill and destroy. Paul says: “let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober”. (I Thess. 5.6) Those who isolate themselves and walk alone are vulnerable to drowsiness. The coal grows cold when taken out of the fire. Christian company and edifying conversation maintains one awake. As we walk together in fellowship, we stir up one another to love and good works. Keep talking to one another about the Lord. Sing to one another of His goodness. Share together the wonders of God’s great love. As you do so, sleep will not set in. The fires of revival will burn ever so strong in your heart and the devil will have no opportunity to attack.
Jesus sent out his followers two by two. Oh how sweet the fellowship must have been as they went from village to village, sharing all that the Lord had done in and through them. Their victory was a shared victory. Their joy overflowed as they walked together.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Heb. 10.25; Ecc. 4.9-12; Prov. 18.1; I Cor. 10.25; I Peter 5.8; Ps. 68.6